Gift Guides 2021

It's time to focus on the ladies in our life. Just like with the other guides, I own many of these things and some are also on my own wish list! If you decide to only get one thing from this list for the lady in your life, make it the Eufy!

1. Blowdry brush: I have curly, wavy hair that either has to be curled or straightened and this brush changed the way I do my hair in the morning for the better! It is very easy to use and you can get the same results as you would with a real blowout.

2. Packing cubes: I actually have these on my own list this year. I have some mis-matched ones and I wanted a cohesive set. For a type A packer and planner, these are a must. You can organize everything in your suitcase and maximize the space.

3. Eufy: I really didn't think I needed this until we got one. I usually turn it one before I leave for work and come home to those perfect carpet lines.

4. Yeti wine tumbler: I use this all the time in the summer. It keeps that Pinot Grigio ice cold!

5. Blanket: I posted about this before and truly think it is better than the Barefoot Dreams one. It is currently on major sale also!

6. Bathroom bag: this is also a must for those who love to travel. I buy sample sizes for most of my products and leave this packed year round so I just have to grab and go!

7. Coffee mug: this mug comes with a heating pad that keeps your coffee warm for hours after pouring it. If you're like me and end up microwaving it at least 3 times before finishing, then this should be on your list!

8. iWatch band: I wear my iWatch every day, no matter the outfit, so this band is also on my list. I need something that is a little dressier for work and going out...especially since I will never give up the watch!

9. Electric fire: grab this and put it in the bathroom by the tub and create your own spa day.

10. Olaplex box: this has transformed my hair and is truly like a spa treatment for your hair in a bottle. You can only find this set during the holiday season so now is a good time to scoop it up.

11. Ring camera doorbell: my mom has this and is obsessed. She can see when my brother gets home, when packages are delivered, and if motion is detected. Personally, I don't need anyone to be notified when my packages arrive...

Between the newest technology and athletic toys, sometimes it is hard to figure out what to get your teenage boy....or really any teenager for that matter. After asking all of the high school and middle school boys I know, I came up with a list of the top 13 gifts for a teenage boy. Side note: my husband also has a few of these as well!

1. Gift cards: almost every student that I asked, asked for gift cards. It seems like an uneventful gift, but they are easy and appreciated. Amazon specifically.

2. Xbox game pass: this would also make a great stocking stuffer. I had no idea this was actually a thing, which means my husband has just been buying them himself anyways.

3. Phone holder: teenage years means driving years. This is a recommended phone holder for those cars that still don't have bluetooth. Also, a necessity for states like TN that have a new law for holding phones in cars.

4. Mini fridge: this helps every teenage room feel a little bit more like a dorm room. It is small enough they will have to come out eventually for refills!

5. Spikeball: I honestly had no idea about this game until I started at my new school, but they play this game every waking moment. This is a great gift for a middle schooler as well!

6. Yeti lunchbox: I got one in pink last year and it truly does keep things cold all day.

7. Ugg slippers: for those late night video game sessions. Throw in a robe and make it a theme package!

8. Mini waffle maker: this could be something they also take to college. We love using ours on lazy Saturday mornings.

9. Tile: go ahead and grab a few of these. A lot of my students have them in their backpacks, on their keys, and I have heard about mom's sewing them into clothes for younger kids.

10. 3-D printer: this is a really good option that's not too expensive and a great gift for boys and girls who are interested in stem, engineering, or computers.

11. External charger: got to keep those phones charged all day so "my phone died" is not an excuse to check in with mom.

12. Amazon echo: a less expensive portable speaker that can answer all of the weird questions teenage boys have.

13. Pullover: this one is a great option for boys because it is a dressed up hoodie. It doesn't feel like you are dressing up, but looks a lot better than just a hoodie.

Everyone single item on this list has been purchased and tried out so I can 100% vouch for these things. It is a collection of the top 12 gifts that I have given or Nick has received for the past few years.

1. Ugg slippers: these are definitely more of a splurge item because let's be honest, they are slippers. But I haven't noticed a smell (which is a priority for me) and they don't look completely hideous.

2. Yeti backpack cooler: we bought this for the beach this past summer and I love it more than our regular Yeti cooler. Nick wore it while we biked to the beach each day and in true Yeti fashion, kept everything cold all day.

3. Sonos One speaker: we have so many of these in our house that I have lost count. They all connect to each other and to my phone so I can play music in the bathroom when I get ready, in the kitchen for dinner, and on the deck for parties.

4. Sonos Roam speaker: if you want a speaker that is more portable, this is a good option. With the Roam you can take it with you from room to room. You could even take this one to the beach!

5. On Cloud running shoes: I got a pair for Nick last Christmas and he now has 3 different pairs. He doesn't love them as much as his Brooks for running, but they are great every day shoes.

6. Grill temperature probes: you've seen me post about these before...I got one for every adult male in my life. They are bluetooth and connect to your phone so you can see the temperature for everything you grill. I will never have to suffer through dry chicken again!

7. Xbox Game Pass: if you don't buy it, they will buy it for themselves. Might as well count it as a gift...

8. Vineyard Vines 1/4 zip: I usually get one of these each year at the Nsale for Nick. They are a great dressier option for work or weekend nights as a layering piece and instead of a jacket.

9. SoloStove: this was on Nick's list for a couple of years and I finally got one for his birthday this past year. It is a portable, smokeless fire pit. And yes, it is truly smokeless. We have the bonfire size and it is the perfect size for a small family. If you are a camping family, this is a must!

10. Massage gun: these were popular a few years ago, but the Amazon version is cheaper and just as good. This would be a great gift for someone who is an athlete or runs/workouts a lot.

11. Yeti coffee mug: go ahead and get one of these for yourself while you are at it.

12. Back massager: if you have a husband who is constantly asking for a back rub, this is the gift for you. It has over 41,000 reviews and is one of Amazon's top selling products. Actually, go ahead and get this for your husband so you can steal it for yourself!

One of the benefits from working with high schoolers is that I see all of the trends all year long. Sometimes clothes and giftcards are a safe bet, but if you are looking for something a little more personal, check out these ideas.

1. Nike sneakers: white sneakers are in! I see these all over the school, and when they get dirty, just throw them in the wash.

2. Combat boots: this is a trend that I have wholeheartedly jumped on as well this year (these are my favorite). Depending on the pair you get, these will last for several seasons and won't be a one hit wonder trend-wise.

3. PJs: still to this day, I enjoy getting a pair of pajamas for Christmas. It isn't something I normally buy myself and can be a fun tradition with your kids.

4. Sneakers: Golden Goose sneakers are super popular right now, but the price tag can be a little much. I have linked the two pairs that I think are the closest match to the real ones without breaking the bank.

5. Hydroflask: if you have been within 5 feet of a teenager recently, you know these are a thing.

6. Laneige lip mask: this is a fun twist on the normal chapstick and could also be a great stocking stuffer.

7. Scrunchies: I so wish I would have kept all of the scrunchies I had growing up (also, saying that makes me sound like my mother...) because they are back, baby! All of the colors, styles, textures, and more. While you are at it, grab a few headbands too.

8. Joggers: I think joggers are the new leggings for teenage girls. I will also point out I have this exact pair in several colors.

9. Record player: I got this one for my sister-in-law a year or so ago and it was a huge hit. A lot of retro things are popular now, and this is a fun spin (pun intended) on the CDs and CD players of our days.

10. Backpack: this particular style is all over the halls of my school.

11. Makeup case: this is the exact one I have and love it. I keep everything in it so when I travel, I can just pack it and go. The insides are adjustable so you can change it based on the products you have.